8. Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich, 26)

Muller is something of a legend in Germany, having led the country to World Cup glory in 2014. And his extended contract with Munich to 2021 ensures his bank account will stay healthy for at least another half-decade.

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7. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid, 26)

The only Brit on the list, Bale was a wunderkind at Tottenham Hotspur before being sold to Real Madrid for a whopping €100 million. Corporations took notice too, and he is now the face of the Pro Evolution Soccer video-game series.

5. Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain, 31)

PSG's Brazilian captain is the highest-paid defender in the world. An endorsement deal with car company Nissan doesn't hurt either. He also enjoyed a big bonus for his team winning the trophy treble last year.

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4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris Saint-Germain, 34)

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Annual Salary: €20m (£16m; $22.5m)

Performance Bonus: €2.5m (£2m; $2.8m)

Other Income: €6m (£4.8m; $7m)

This Swedish player is a veteran by footballing standards, but has managed to negotiate a very nice salary with PSG for his final season there, as well as an endorsement deal with sportswear giant Nike.

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3. JR Neymar (FC Barcelona, 24)

The youngest player to make the top nine is also the third richest, breaking the €40 million mark for the first time. If rumours of his move to PSG — who seem to pay a lot if this list is anything to by — are true, that figure could swell even more.

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2. Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, 31)

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Annual Salary: €32m (£25.5m; $36m)

Performance Bonus: €400,000 (£319,000; $451,000)

Other Income: €35m (£27.9m; $39m)

It was close for this Portuguese player, but Ronaldo with have to settle for second place. A combined income of €67 million and lucrative contracts with Nike, Armani, and, strangely, Kentucky Fried Chicken will have to do in the meantime.

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1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona, 28)

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Annual Salary: €36m (£28.7m; $40.6m)

Performance Bonus: €3m (£2.4m; $3.4m)

Other Income: €35m (£27.9m; $39m)

The best footballer in the world (according to FIFA's Player of the Year award) is also the best paid. This marks the first time a footballer has ever had an income of over €70 million, and with Messi's contracts with sports-related giants like Adidas and EA Games it's perhaps no surprise the Argentine player is rolling in money.